Hume R-8 considering changes in school day

Changes could be coming to the school day for Hume R-8 students next year, according to a report presented to the Hume school board by Kenny Otto, during a regular meeting held last Wednesday.

A plan that would make the school day a bit longer, starting the day at 8:05 and ending at about 3:40-3:45, with study hall time incorporated into the middle of the day, with different options for all classes, is under consideration. Students would have the opportunity to obtain extra help as needed from teachers of classes in which they are failing. Students also could use the time for homework or reading, or the time could be used for class meetings or assemblies as needed. Otto told the board the plan is preliminary and won't be finalized until next year's school calendar is approved.

During superintendent David Quick's report to the board, Quick said a school-year calendar is under consideration as well. with a four-day weekend at the end of the first and second quarters, possibly doing away with spring break and adding three-day weekends to the calendar. Quick said this configuration would save the district an estimated $16,000, and said he is open to discussing the calendar with anyone who wishes to do so and encourages patrons to contact him with any questions or ideas. The board plans to vote on the calendar at the next regular board meeting.

School lunches at Hume also will be seeing some changes. The federal "healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010" should mean the quality of the food will be better because there will be less processed food and more hand-prepared food. Quick also said the quantity of the food will be measured, and cooks and cashier will be required to attend trainings to become certified to prepare the meals for students that meet the new guidelines. Quick also explained that prices for lunch and breakfast meals are to be equal to reimbursement rates on free meals. The district receives reimbursement of $2.76 for free lunch meals and 20 cents for full price lunch meals, so the new federal rules will require the school to charge $2.50 for lunch for preschool through 12th grade.

In other business, interviews have been scheduled with possible candidates for school counselor, and the senior class is planning its senior trip. Students are being reminded of graduation requirements and requirements that must be met in order to participate in the senior trip.

The board also unanimously agreed to offer Kenny Otto the position of principal for the 2011-2012 school year.